Metro Tower (Lubbock)

The Metro Tower, also known as the NTS Tower, is an office high-rise building located in Lubbock, Texas. Completed in 1955, it is the tallest building in Lubbock at 274 feet (84 meters).[2] The 20-story building was originally known as the Great Plains Life Building after an insurance company that served as its first occupant. It suffered heavy damage in the 1970 Lubbock tornado, and sat vacant and derelict for several years amid talk of possible demolition. After extensive renovation, the building was reopened in 1975 and has been occupied ever since.[1] It is the second tallest known building to have survived a direct hit by an F5 tornado. The tallest is the ALICO building in Waco, TX which is two stories taller.[3] However, after the tornado, the Lubbock fire department closed some floors due to the worsening condition of the building.[4][5]

Metro Tower
Metro Tower survived a direct hit from a tornado[1]
Former namesGreat Plains Life Building
Alternative namesNTS Tower
NTS Communications Building
Record height
Tallest in Lubbock since 1955[I]
Preceded byBank of America Tower
General information
StatusCompleted
TypeCommercial offices
Location1220 Broadway Street
Lubbock, Texas
Coordinates33.584794°N 101.848836°W / 33.584794; -101.848836
Construction started1954[2]
Completed1955[2]
OwnerNTS Communications[1]
Height
Roof274 ft (84 m)[2]
Technical details
Floor count20[2]
Floor area111,000 sq ft (10,310 m2)[1]
Lifts/elevators4 (originally installed by Westinghouse;[2] Modernized in 2013 by Schindler and in 2022 by Otis

In mid 2019, it was stated that MRE Capital would renovate the building. The renovation will include facelift and full restoration of the building. It would also add 89 residential units. The company would provide US$20 million budget for the revitalization. The building renovation is expected to start in late 2019, and be finished by the end of 2021.[4][6]

The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.[7]

References
  1. Hensley, Doug (January 4, 2009). "Metro Tower skyscraper survives tornado, neglect". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Archived from the original on March 27, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  2. "Metro Tower". Emporis. Archived from the original on February 23, 2007. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  3. Lavallee, Michael (November 16, 2010). "Lubbock Tornado still bringing questions". Texas Tech University Journalism Department. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
  4. Perdomo, Nicolette (July 30, 2019). "Historic NTS Tower getting $20 million face lift, adding apartments". Everything Lubbock. Lubbock. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  5. Burt, Brad (July 30, 2019). "Lubbock's NTS Tower to be renovated into Metro Tower Lofts". KCBD. Lubbock. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  6. Self-Walbrick, Sarah (August 3, 2019). "Top of the town again: Inside Metro Tower's planned redevelopment". Lubbock Avalanche Journal. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  7. "Weekly listing". National Park Service.


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